Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight will not play against Texas Tech because of a neck injury.

Coach Bob Stoops announced Thursday he will use redshirt freshman Cody Thomas instead. Thomas will make his first career start after having seen little action this season.

Knight was taken off the field on a stretcher during Nov. 8's 48-14 loss to Baylor. X-rays and MRI exams showed no major damage, but Knight missed practice all week and remained sore from the hit. Stoops said this week Knight did not have a concussion.

The decision was made Thursday after team doctors examined Knight.

A sophomore, Knight is 11-3 as starting quarterback but has struggled this season.

Blake Bell, a former QB who switched to tight end this season, will be the emergency backup for Thomas.

"I'm very comfortable with Cody," Stoops said this week. "He's shown great poise when he's been out there, he's shown a comfort level in what we're doing and the ability to throw it. I'll feel good about him out there."